Golf bag with integral V block

ABSTRACT

A golf bag ( 12 ) including a main body ( 14 ), a top opening ( 19 ), and a built-in stand ( 39 ). The built-in stand ( 39 ) includes a V-block ( 52 ), a pair of legs ( 42 ), which are pivotally connected to the V-block ( 52 ), and a collar ( 20 ) which surrounds a portion of the main body ( 14 ) of the bag ( 12 ) near the top opening ( 19 ), where the V-block ( 52 ) is integrally formed as part of the collar ( 20 ).

[0001] This application is a Continuation-In-Part of application Ser.No. 10/390,089 filed Mar. 14, 2003 and has the same inventor.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates generally to golfing equipment andmore particularly to a handle for manipulating a golf bag.

BACKGROUND ART

[0003] Golf is a game in which obtaining exercise is one of many goals,but in which its practitioners generally like to avoid discomfort. Asgolf can be practiced by people of many ages and physical conditions, itis important that carrying the golf clubs around the course not beperceived as burdensome. In an effort to make carrying the bag of golfclubs as easy as possible, many types of straps have been produced toimprove the comfort of the user. The first types of straps used weregenerally single straps that extended from the bottom or foot of thegolf bag to somewhere around the top of the bag. This was of course animprovement over carrying the bag by hand, and left the user's handsfree.

[0004] The dual or double strap system has several advantages over thesingle strap because the weight is divided between the two straps, thuscausing less stress on each of the shoulders. Several U.S. patents havebeen involved with this dual strap concept. Among them are U.S. Pat.Nos. 5,038,984, 5,042,703 and 5,042,704 to Izzo, U.S. Pat. No. 5,348,205to Steurer and U.S. Pat. No. 5,636,778 to Jones. (X strap by Reimers)Each of these makes an attempt to improve the balance and/or weightdistribution of the golf bag to improve the user of the user who iscarrying the bag. Crucial considerations in the balance of the bag arethe placement of the strap mounting points.

[0005] The stability of the bag as the user walks about is also ofconcern. A bag that bounces or swings excessively is undesirable, asthis type of motion can be very tiring, as well as possibly annoying.Users of prior golf bags often are seen holding the ends of the bag tominimize motion. This of course defeats the objective of allowing theuser to have his hands free while the straps carry the bag. One cause ofthis swinging motion and accompanying fatigue is the misalignment of thecenter of gravity of the bag compared to the center of gravity of theuser. This is illustrated in FIG. 2 (prior art) and is partially causedby the positioning of the attachment points of the straps on the bag.This misplacement of the center of gravity of the bag could be correctedby using a longer bag, but this would increase weight and “swallow”clubs with short handles instead of leaving both short and long clubsvisible.

[0006] Golfers routinely mount and dismount their golf bags from theirbacks in order to access their clubs. As the bag is slung across theirbacks in a generally horizontal orientation, it is the common practicefor the golfers to reach around behind themselves to grasp whateverportion of the bag is reachable by their hands. to swing the bag into anupright position while they shrug their way out of the straps. Bags aregenerally set up so that the opening at the bag's top is located on theright hand side of a right-handed user, so that the right hand may reachback and grasp a portion of the bag. This is usually done by using the“goose neck grip”, as it has been called, to insert the user's fingersinto the bag opening and then pinch with the thumb to grasp the upperportion of the golf bag. This grip is shown in FIG. 3 (prior art), andinvolves an awkward and potentially painful contortion where the usermust pull his elbow as far as possible behind him, arch his wrist to anearly painful degree, and then attempt to grasp the bag's opening andsupport it, which may weigh as much as 35 lbs. when loaded, in thisgoose neck grip, while struggling out of the straps.

[0007] Additionally, the goose neck grip requires that the user inserttheir fingers into the upper compartment of the bag when grasping it,which may be difficult if this compartment is already filled with clubs.In this case, the user may have to grab the straps for guidance, turningthe dismounting process into a two-handed operation, with additionalcontortions. This is even more awkward in cases where the bag has abuilt-in stand which the user must activate, as the user may then haveto temporarily stand the bag vertically, re-grip it and then tilt it andpush downward to activate the stand.

[0008] Another feature that has become very popular in recent years isthe built-in stand for golf bag, such as is described in U.S. Pat. No.5,762,189 to the present inventor. In such golf bags, there are pair oflegs which swing out from a “V-block” in response to pressure on thebag's top. The legs remain extended until retracted by the user, thusallowing the bag to stand in a tripod configuration unsupported by theuser. The smooth action of the legs as they are extended relies in greatpart on the stability of the V-block, which is the fulcrum from whichthe legs are levered. If the V-block is wobbly, the extension actionwill also be wobbly and unsatisfactory.

[0009] Thus there is a need for a golf bag which is more stable,involving very little swing or bounce, which distributes the weight ofthe bag on the shoulders well and has improved balance. There is also aneed for a golf bag which is easier to mount and dismount than thosecurrently in use. There is a further need for a golf bag with a legattachment structure in which the V-block is mounted in a more stablemanner, so that extension of the legs is smoother.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide an extendedhandle for a golf bag so that the golf bag is easier to mount anddismount than those currently in use.

[0011] Another object of the invention is to present an extension handlewhich provides an extended attachment point for straps so that the golfbag has improved balance and weight distribution.

[0012] And another object of the invention is to present an extensionhandle which provides an extended attachment point for straps so thatthe golf bag is very comfortable for the user.

[0013] An additional object of the present invention is to present anextension handle which is ergonomically designed to work with the strapsto minimize fatigue of the user.

[0014] A further object of the present invention to present a strapsystem for a golf bag which allows the golfer to have his hands freewhile carrying the bag.

[0015] An additional object of the present invention is to provide abuilt-in stand with an integral V-block which operates more smoothly,and more reliably than in prior stands.

[0016] Briefly, one preferred embodiment of the present invention is agolf bag including a main body, a top opening, and a built-in stand. Thebuilt-in stand includes a V-block, a pair of legs, which are pivotallyconnected to the V-block, and a collar which surrounds a portion of themain body of the bag near the top opening, where the V-block isintegrally formed as part of the collar.

[0017] An advantage of the present invention is that the present golfbag with extension handle is very adaptable to a large variety of users.

[0018] Another advantage of the present invention is that balance andweight distribution of the golf bag is improved by used of the presentinvention.

[0019] And another advantage of the present invention is that byaligning the center of gravity of the bag with the user's body, weightis distributed more evenly on the user's shoulders.

[0020] An additional advantage of the present invention is that anintegral V-block improves smoothness of operation of a built-in legstand.

[0021] A further advantage of the present invention is that an integralV-block expedites fabrication of the built-in stand, since parts arereduced and assembly is simpler.

[0022] These and other objects and advantages of the present inventionwill become clear to those skilled in the art in view of the descriptionof the best presently known mode of carrying out the invention and theindustrial applicability of the preferred embodiment as described hereinand as illustrated in the several figures of the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The purposes and advantages of the present invention will beapparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with theappended drawings in which:

[0024]FIG. 1 shows the golf bag with extension handle of the presentinvention, showing the alignment of centers of gravity of the bag andthe user;

[0025]FIG. 2 shows a golf bag of the prior art with the misalignment ofcenters of gravity of the bag and the user;

[0026]FIG. 3 shows a user of a golf bag of the prior art attempting todismount it by utilizing the “goose neck grip”;

[0027]FIG. 4 shows a user of a golf bag with extension handledismounting it in a more comfortable manner;

[0028]FIG. 5 illustrates a top perspective view of the upper portion ofa golf bag with extension handle of the present invention;

[0029]FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of the upper portion of a golf bagwith extension handle of the present invention;

[0030]FIG. 7 shows a side perspective view of the upper portion of agolf bag with extension handle of the present invention;

[0031]FIG. 8 illustrates a rear view of the upper portion of a golf bagwith extension handle of the present invention;

[0032]FIG. 9 illustrates a top perspective view of the upper portion ofa golf bag with extension handle of the present invention;

[0033]FIG. 10 shows a side perspective view of a golf bag having abuilt-in stand, the golf bag having the legs in a retracted position;and

[0034]FIG. 11 illustrates a side perspective view of a golf bag having abuilt-in stand, the golf bag having the legs in an extended position.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0035] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is a golf bagwith extension handle. As illustrated in the various drawings herein,and particularly in the view of FIG. 1, a form of this preferredembodiment of the inventive device is depicted by the general referencecharacter 10.

[0036]FIGS. 1 and 4-11 illustrate a golf bag having an enclosure or mainbody 14 for holding golf clubs 16. The golf bag includes a bottom 18, atop opening 19 and top collar 20. Straps 22 are shown which attach toattachment rings 24 for carrying the golf bag. These straps arepreferably of the “X-strap” configuration such as shown in Des 411,039to Reimers et al., but this is not a requirement.

[0037] Referring now particularly to FIGS. 5-9, the extension handle 26of the present invention is preferably a rotatable extension handle 27,and includes a top collar 20 and preferably two brackets 28 preferablyattached to or formed from a portion of the top collar 20. The twobrackets 28 are preferably joined by an axle 30. This axle 30 issurrounded by a handle 36 having a grip 32, which preferably, but notnecessarily, is free to rotate about the axle 30 to form the rotatableextended handle 27. The ends of the axle 30 preferably serve as anattachment point 48 for one of the straps 22, which also preferably arefree to rotate at their point of attachment, perhaps by being threadedonto the axle 30 as well, with a washer or retainer 34 of some sort onthe ends of the axle 30 to keep them from sliding off. The grip 32 mayhave a texture area 46 included which allows the user to maintain abetter grasp on the handle 36.

[0038] The extension handle 26 may be configured as a portion of the topcollar 20, as shown or may be an attachment to it.

[0039] In use, the extension handle 26 serves a double purpose. It firstprovides an attachment point 48 for the strap 22 which serves to shiftthe center of gravity of the golf bag 12 closer to the center of theuser's back. Since much of the weight of the golf clubs lies in theheads of the clubs, the center of gravity of the bag is generallyfarther to the right when seen from behind than the half-way point ofthe length of the bag. By adding the extension frame 26 to the bag 10,the center of gravity 2 is shifted to the left as seen from behind,towards the center of gravity of the user's back 4, as seen in FIG. 1.This alignment of centers of gravity 2, 4 makes an important improvementin the “feel” of the bag, since it will tend to swing less and will tendless to pull the user to the side. This is to be contrasted by the useof the bag of the prior art (FIG. 2) which shows that the center ofgravity of the bag 2 is misaligned with the center of gravity of user 4and is displaced by a displacement amount 6. It is to be understood thatno attempt has been made to draw the bag, extension and user in exactproportions to each other or with exact proportional dimensions, andFIGS. 1 and 2 are intended to show the relative positions of the centersof gravity of the bags with respect to users of the two bags only.

[0040] Putting it another way, a typical bag has a regular bag length 7,as seen in FIG. 2 (Prior art). This length is typically determined bythe length of the golf clubs and is usually standardized to allow easyaccess to the clubs and to minimize bulk and weight of material. As seenin FIG. 1, the extension handle 26 creates an extended bag length 8without adding substantial weight and bulk to the bag. By then usingthis extended length 8 as the basis for the attachment points 48 of thestraps 22, the center of gravity 2 is more closely aligned with thecenter of gravity of the user 4.

[0041] The second purpose of the extension handle 26 is to provide agrip for the user when mounting and especially dismounting the bag fromhis back. As golfers routinely mount and dismount their golf bags fromtheir backs in order to access their clubs, it is the common practicefor the golfers to reach around behind themselves to grasp whateverportion of the bag is reachable by their hands to swing the bag into anupright position while they shrug their way out of the straps. Bags aregenerally set up so that the opening at the bag's top is located on theright hand side of a right-handed user, so that the right hand may reachback and grasp a portion of the bag. As described above, this is usuallydone by using the “goose neck grip” as it has been called to insert theuser's fingers into the bag opening and then pinch which the thumb tograsp the upper portion of the golf bag. This grip is shown in FIG. 3(prior art), and involves an awkward and potentially painful contortionwhere the user must pull his elbow as far as possible behind him, archhis wrist to a nearly painful degree, and then attempt to grasp thebag's opening and support it, which may weigh as much as 35 lbs. whenloaded, in this goose neck grip, while struggling out of the straps.

[0042] In contrast, the user of the present invention 10 has much easieraccess to the grip 32 which serves as a handle 36. Since the handle 36is located farther to the right, as seen from behind, than theunextended top collar of a conventional bag, the user does not need tocontort so much to grasp it, the elbow does not need to contort so farbehind the user's back to allow the user's hand proximity to the topcollar, and the user does not need to execute such an extreme goose neckgrip to grasp the handle. In addition, by having a rounded grip 32, theuser's hand does not need to pinch the bag 12, but rather is able toobtain a strong and comfortable grip by which to manipulate the bag 12.By having the handle optionally rotatable about the axle 30, the userdoes not need to release his grip and re-grip the handle as the bagchanges angles while the user dismounts it. Instead, the bag 12 isallowed to pivot, and the user retains his same grip throughout theprocess of removal.

[0043]FIGS. 10 and 11 show full length views of the golf bag withextendable handle 10 which has a built-in stand 38, such as shown inU.S. Pat. No. 5,762,189 to Reimers. The extension handle 26 of thepresent invention works particularly well with this style of golf bag,since the handle 36 provides a solid, non-yielding point for applicationof downward pressure 40 to the pressure-activated stand, thus forcingthe legs 42 out as shown by the arrows 44 in FIG. 11. The dismounting ofthe bag 10 can thus assume a single flowing series of motions, wherebythe user grasps the handle 36, allowing the straps to fall from hisshoulders, swinging the bag out in front of his body, clear of the hislegs, where the stand is then activated by downward pressure of the samehand which grips the handle 36, and without changing the hand's grip.The freely rotating nature of the handle 36 on the axle 30 means thatthe golfer does not need to readjust his grip. The bag smoothly proceedsfrom its mounted position on the golfer's back to it finally position onits activated stand 38 all in one motion.

[0044] It is also easy for left handed golfers to use this golf bag 10,as they can change the orientation of the straps to the clubs and thehandle to be on the left side.

[0045] While various embodiments have been described above, it should beunderstood that they have been presented by way of example only, and notlimitation. Many further variations are possible, which will be obviousto one skilled in the art. For example, although a pair of brackets ispreferred, it is also possible that a single bracket be used inconjunction with the axle and handle. The brackets may be part of, orattached to, the top collar, but they may also be attached to the mainbody 14 of the bag by some other structure or mechanism, and there maybe no collar at all. Likewise the grip 32 and texture area 46 may havevariations, so for example the grip could be contoured like a bicyclegrip, etc, or may be an essentially featureless cylinder as shown. Also,as referred to above, it is preferred that the handle be rotatable, butnot necessary. For example, the handle may be mounted to one or bothbrackets by screw threads.

[0046] Another aspect of the golf bag, which may be used in conjunctionwith the extension handle, but may be independent from it, is themounting of the V-block of the pressure-activated leg stand. The V-blockis the structure to which the legs are pivotally attached. The smoothaction of the legs as they are extended relies in great part on thestability of the V-block, which is the fulcrum from which the legs arelevered. If the V-block is wobbly, the extension action will be wobblyand unsatisfactory.

[0047] In previous golf bags, the V-block was attached to an internalstrut by screws or rivets, and was susceptible to loosening over time asthe tightness of the fasteners was stressed.

[0048] In the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 9-11, thepressure-activated stand 38 is included as a type of built-in stand 39.The built-in stand 39 includes generally a leg-attachment structure 50which in turn includes a V-block 52 having pivots 54 by which the legs42 are pivotally attached to the V-block 52. In the present invention,the V-block 52 is integrated with the top of the golf bag, preferably aspart of the top collar 20. As the top collar 20 surrounds the upperopening 19 of the bag 12, it is more difficult to loosen, and maintainsits stability extraordinarily well. Without any wobble or rattle, theaction of the legs 42 is much smoother, and less force is required toactivate the built-in leg stand 39. The V-block 52 is preferablyfabricated as a part of the top collar 20. An added benefit is that byfabricating the V-block 52 as a part of the top collar 20, manufacturingcosts are decreased, and assembly is expedited.

[0049] The extension handle 26 discussed above is also preferablyfabricated as a part of the top collar 20, although the integral V-blockmay be used on golf bags without an extension handle. When the extensionhandle 26 and the integral V-block are used in the same device, as shownin FIG. 10, the downward pressure is most easily and smoothlytransmitted to the operation of the legs 42. As there are no attachmentsjoining the collar 20, handle 26 and V-block 52, there are noattachments to work loose, and the operation of the stand is expected toremain more reliable than in prior stands.

[0050] As described above, the extension handle 26 may be attached byhaving a portion of it integrally formed with the collar 20, such ashaving the brackets 28 integrally formed as part of the collar 20. Thebrackets 28 may be connected by an axle, and surrounded by a handle grip32, so that it may be rotatable. The grip 32 may include a texture area46. Alternately, the handle may be formed all of one piece with thecollar and have no rotatable parts. Many variations are possible whichwill be obvious to one skilled in the art, and are contemplated by thepresent invention.

[0051] Thus, the breadth and scope of a preferred embodiment should notbe limited by any of the above described exemplary embodiments, butshould be defined only in accordance with the following claims and theirequivalents.

Industrial Applicability

[0052] The present golf bag with extension handle 10 is well suited forthe recreational activity of golf.

[0053] In use, the extension frame 26 serves a double purpose. It firstprovides an attachment point 40 for the strap 22 which serves to shiftthe center of gravity of the golf bag 12 closer to the center of theuser's back. The extension handle 26 creates an extended bag length 8without adding substantial weight and bulk to the bag. By then usingthis extended length 8 as the basis for the attachment points 40 of thestraps 22, the center of gravity 2 is allowed to align with the centerof gravity of the user 4.

[0054] The golf bag with extension handle 10 also provides a grip forthe user when mounting and especially dismounting the bag from his back.As golfers routinely mount and dismount their golf bags from their backsin order to access their clubs, it is the common practice for thegolfers to reach around behind themselves to grasp whatever portion ofthe bag is reachable by their hands to swing the bag into an uprightposition while they shrug their way out of the straps. Bags aregenerally set up so that the opening at the bag's top is located on theright hand side of the user, so that the right hand may reach back andgrasp a portion of the bag. As described above, this is commonly done byusing the “goose neck grip”, which involves an awkward and potentiallypainful contortion where the user must pull his elbow as far as possiblebehind him, arch his wrist to a nearly painful degree, and then attemptto grasp the bag's opening and support it, in this goose neck grip,while struggling out of the straps. Alternatively, a user may grab thestraps to dismount the bag, commonly causing the bag to swing or gyrateas it dangles from the straps. This makes activation of a built-in standdifficult, as the bag must be steadied, and then aligned properly toactivate the stand device.

[0055] In contrast, the user of the present invention 10 has much easieraccess to the grip 32 which serves as a handle 36. Since the handle 36is located farther to the right, as seen from behind, the user does notneed to contort so much to grasp it, the elbow does no need to contortso far behind the user's back to allow the user's hand proximity to thetop collar, and the user does not need to execute such an extreme gooseneck grip to grasp the handle. In addition, by having a rounded grip 32,the user's hand does not need to pinch the bag, but rather is able toobtain a strong and comfortable grip by which to manipulate the bag. Byhaving the handle rotatable about the axle 30, the user does not need torelease his grip and re-grip the handle as the bag changes angles whilethe user dismounts it. Instead, the bag is allowed to pivot, and theuser retains his same grip throughout the process of removal.

[0056] The extension handle 26 of the present invention worksparticularly well with golf bags having built-in pressure-activatedstands 38, since the handle 36 provides a solid, non-yielding point forapplication of downward pressure 40 to activate the stand, thus forcingthe legs 42 out. The dismounting of the bag 10 can thus assume a singleflowing series of motions, whereby the user grasps the handle 36,allowing the straps to fall from his shoulders, allowing the bag toswing out in front of his body, clear of the golfer's legs, where thestand is then activated by downward pressure of the same hand whichgrips the handle 26. The freely rotating nature of the handle 36 on theaxle 30 means that the golfer does not need to readjust his grip. Thebag smoothly proceeds from its mounted position on the golfer's back toit finally position on its activated stand 38 all in one motion.

[0057] Another aspect of the present invention, which may aid in thesmooth action of the leg stand, is the optional inclusion of an integralV-block 52. The built-in stand 39 includes generally a leg-attachmentstructure 50 which in turn includes a V-block 52 having pivots 54 bywhich the legs 42 are pivotally attached to the V-block 52. In thepresent invention, the V-block 52 is integrated with the top of the sgolf bag, preferably as part of the top collar 20. As the top collar 20surrounds the upper opening 19 of the bag 12, it is more difficult toloosen, and maintains its stability extraordinarily well. Without anywobble or rattle, the action of the legs 42 is much smoother, and lessforce may be required to activate the built-in leg stand 39. An addedbenefit is that by fabricating the V-block 52 as a part of the topcollar 20, manufacturing costs are decreased, and assembly is expedited.

[0058] For the above, and other, reasons, it is expected that the golfbag with extension handle 10 of the present invention will havewidespread industrial applicability. Therefore, it is expected that thecommercial utility of the present invention will be extensive and longlasting.

[0059]2 center of gravity of golf bag

[0060]4 center of gravity of user

[0061]6 displacement

[0062]7 standard bag length

[0063]8 extended bag length

[0064]10 golf bag with extension handle

[0065]12 golf bag

[0066]14 main body

[0067]16 golf clubs

[0068]18 bottom

[0069]19 top opening

[0070]20 top collar

[0071]22 straps

[0072]24 rings

[0073]26 extension handle

[0074]27 rotatable extension handle

[0075]28 bracket

[0076]30 axle

[0077]32 grip

[0078]34 retainer

[0079]36 handle

[0080]38 pressure-activated stand

[0081]39 built-in stand

[0082]40 downward pressure

[0083]42 legs

[0084]44 outward travel of legs

[0085]46 texture area

[0086]48 attachment point

[0087]50 leg attachment structure

[0088]52 V-block

[0089]54 pivotal attachments

What is claimed is:
 1. A built-in stand for a golf bag having a mainbody and a top opening, the built-in stand comprising: a V-block; a pairof legs, which are pivotally connected to said V-block; and a collarwhich surrounds a portion of said bag near said top opening, saidV-block being integrally formed as part of said collar.
 2. The built-instand of claim 1, wherein: said collar includes an extension handle. 3.The built-in stand of claim 2, wherein: a portion of said extensionhandle is also integrally formed as part of said collar.
 4. The built-instand of claim 3, wherein: said portion of said extension handle whichis integrally formed as part of said collar is a pair of brackets. 5.The built-in stand of claim 4, wherein: said pair of brackets are joinedby a handle, and said handle is free to rotate.
 6. The built-in stand ofclaim 5, wherein: said handle includes a grip.
 7. The built-in stand ofclaim 6, wherein: said grip includes a texture area.
 8. A leg attachmentstructure for a golf bag having a top opening and a built-in leg standwith legs, the leg attachment structure comprising: a V-block, to whichsaid pair of legs are pivotally connected; and a collar which surroundsa portion of said bag near said top opening, said V-block beingintegrally formed as part of said collar.
 9. The leg attachmentstructure of claim 8, wherein: said collar includes an extension handle.10. The leg attachment structure of claim 9, wherein: a portion of saidextension handle is also integrally formed as part of said collar. 11.The leg attachment structure of claim 10, wherein: said portion of saidextension handle which is integrally formed as part of said collar is apair of brackets.
 12. The leg attachment structure of claim 11, wherein:said pair of brackets are joined by a handle, and said handle is free torotate.
 13. The leg attachment structure of claim 12, wherein: saidhandle includes a grip.
 14. The leg attachment structure of claim 13,wherein: said grip includes a texture area.
 15. A golf bag comprising: amain body; a top opening; and a built-in stand, said built-in standhaving a V-block, a pair of legs, which are pivotally connected to saidV-block, and a collar which surrounds a portion of said main body ofsaid bag near said top opening, said V-block being integrally formed aspart of said collar.
 16. The golf bag of claim 15, wherein: said collarincludes an extension handle.
 17. The golf bag of claim 16, wherein: aportion of said extension handle is also integrally formed as part ofsaid collar.
 18. The golf bag of claim 17, wherein: said portion of saidextension handle which is integrally formed as part of said collar is apair of brackets.
 19. The golf bag of claim 18, wherein: said pair ofbrackets are joined by a handle, and said handle is free to rotate. 20.The golf bag of claim 19, wherein: said handle includes a grip.